Lomography reveals the LC-A Minitar-1 Art Lens

Lomography has announced its latest Art-series lens which brings the original optics of the iconic Lomo LC-A camera to interchangeable lens cameras. The LC-A Minitar-1 Art is a 32-mm F2.8 lens which uses a Leica M mount, meaning it can be used by a wide array of analog and digital cameras with an adapter, and is said to deliver classic LC-A style images with vivid colors and signature vignetting.

The Lomo LC-A Minitar-1 Art Lens follows in the footsteps of the New Petzval and New Russar+ Art lenses which are handmade with high-quality Russian optics and produce images which divide photographers with their distinctive artsy styles. This time around the ultra-compact pancake design lens has been created to replicate the character of images shot with the Lomo LC-A camera which launched in 1984.

The new lens boasts a solid aluminum and brass construction and offers a 32-mm wide angle with a maximum F2.8 aperture for shooting in ambient light. The glass used to make the optics is multicoated to minimize internal reflections and maximize color and contrast. This allows it to deliver images with stylized rich and saturated colors like those from the camera it's based on, without the need for post production and filters.

Photographers who used the original LC-A camera will also feel right at home with the 4-step zone focusing system of the lens. Users simply estimate the distance to their subject, and flick the switch on the lens to the 0.8 m, 1.5 m, 3 m or Infinity position accordingly. This makes the lens suitable for shooting from the hip, something the original camera was famed for, and not having to always use the viewfinder. Aperture is also controlled on-lens.

Available with a Leica M Mount, the LC-A Minitar-1 is a rangefinder coupled lens, which means precise focusing when paired with rangefinder cameras. However, the lens can also be used with many other analog and digital interchangeable lens cameras by using mount adapters which can be purchased separately. If using the lens on a camera with a APS-C sensor, the crop factor will give around a 50-mm equivalent, and if on Micro Four Thirds that will be 64-mm.

The Lomo LC-A Minitar-1 Art Lens is currently available for pre-order priced at US$350 with delivery planned for July. The lens will come in black or silver options and be bundled with front and rear lens caps, a lens pouch, a photo book, and a cleaning cloth.